Wednesday, 10 September 2014

We're back with updates on Kate's diary and her condition. The Duchess of Cambridge will not be attending the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games this evening or attending the athletics event tomorrow, Kensington Palace confirmed this morning. Doctors caring for her informed Palace aides she would not be well enough to join other members of the Royal family at Olympic Park for the event.

The statement from Kensington Palace also touches on the Malta visit:

'The Duchess of Cambridge will not attend the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games this evening or the athletics event tomorrow. The Duchess's attendance on the forthcoming visit to Malta will be kept under review and a decision taken closer to the time.'

More from royal reporter Rebecca English:

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

We're very sorry to hear Kate is feeling so poorly; it must be an incredibly difficult time for her. Regarding the Malta trip, I cannot see the Duchess making it at this point. With travelling, a hectic schedule and a speech it would be quite stressful for her, not to mention how ill she is feeling. No doubt the Palace is busy organising another member of the Royal family to make the trip. Perhaps Prince Harry who has a free schedule at that time. The Maltese government congratulated the couple and noted they are fully aware of the situation. It also looks more than likely the recently reported (officially unconfirmed) China tour for next year will not be going ahead.

Meanwhile, other members of the Royal family have been reacting to the joyous news. At a Prince's Trust event in London yesterday, a beaming Prince Charles said, "It's wonderful to be a grandfather again. I'm looking forward to it - but - I hope it will be a girl this time." Princess Diana once revealed Charles had always wanted a daughter.

Many commented they thought William and Kate would wait for a while before having another baby. According to The Telegraph the Duchess plans to have three before her 35th birthday:

'The Duchess of Cambridge decided to have two children less than two years apart because she intends to have a third child before she is 35, friends have claimed. The Duchess has reportedly told friends she would like "at least" three children, to give Prince George and her second baby the chance of having the sort of family environment she had.

The Duchess is just 20 months older than her sister Pippa and less than five years older than her brother James. They remain incredibly close and rarely go more than a month without meeting up at the family home in Bucklebury'.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a serious condition, caused by elevated levels of 'pregnancy hormone' HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, which increases after inception. Sufferers experience extreme nausea and may vomit up to thirty times a day. If anything, it is said to be associated with a normal, healthy pregnancy. Doctors are monitoring Kate closely at Kensington Palace where she is expected to remain until she recovers.

It's been wonderful to see such an outpouring of good wishes for William and Kate following the announcement. It's splendid news for both families and no doubt little George will love having a little brother or sister around. In terms of royal engagements, I believe there will be very, very few for the remainder of the year and certainly none in the very near future.

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Fashion fans will enjoy our next segment. Have you been following fashion week? If so, you may have noticed Jenny Packham's Spring 2015 Collection.

Jenny Packham

The British designer was very much inspired by the iconic Marilyn Monroe:

'It's blatantly Marilyn Monroe. She's been there all my life, but I've rediscovered her again. She's still so relevant. What she wore doesn't date.'

Ms. Packham took her research for the collection very seriously by visiting Monroe's bungalow in Hollywood and travelling to Jersey to get a glimpse of a private collection of the late star's dresses.

Jenny Packham

Ms. Monroe's influence is certainly evident in the collection, but in a pared-back sense. Calf-length dresses and soft pink numbers featured.

Jenny Packham

The designer's love of sequins and detailed embellishment was incorporated.

Jenny Packham

Beautiful ball gowns fit for a Duchess. I don't see Kate wearing gowns like these in the near future but if anyone could pull them off, it would be Her Royal Highness at a white-tie event, teamed with a tiara of course ;)

Jenny Packham

Elegant little black dresses.

Jenny Packham

Somewhat reminiscent of the black crepe dress which had been hand-stitched with silver beading to represent New Zealand's national emblem.

This stunning blue gown is my favourite piece from the collection and it would look stunning on Kate, but perhaps she will select a darker colour.

Jenny Packham

The very talented Jenny posed with models after the show.

Jenny Packham Facebook Page

Will we see Kate in one of these Marilyn inspired creations? I do think so. What about you?

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Finally today, for those who enjoy following other royals The Royal Digest is back and will feature regular posts covering British and European royals along with weekly features covering iconic royals including Princess Diana and Princess Grace and of course plenty of tiaras and jewels. There's a link on the sidebar or you can find the blog here.

268 comments:

Aw well let's hope it soon peaks out at around 12 weeks, and doesn't require a hospital stay. I had hyper Em with my first two, the second time wasn't as bad than the first. Sending prayers her way! Those dresses are gorgeous! She would look stunning in any of them.

Thanks so much, Charlotte, for this update and the lovely, lovely Jenny Packham gowns. They really are gorgeous, aren´t they? I sincerely hope it won´t be any worse for Kate than the first time (hopefully better, of course!). HCG levels are usually the highest during the first three months, then the concentration drops continually. With Prince George this seemed to have been the main problem as she was very poorly in December and the beginning of January, but after that she at least looked positively radiant most of the time.... I don´t expect we will see her again during September and October, though. Certainly not on a trip abroad, no way. So let´s keep fingers crossed that she will perhaps feel much better again after the first three months and maybe we have a chance to see her some time in December (usually the Royals are very busy before Xmas so maybe... ;-)) ), perhaps at a charity event or movie premiere...

Love all of the Packhams - such a great talent. I would love to see Catherine in the strapless yellow/gold leaves because I'd like her to wear some more exciting evening wear. But I can also see her in your choice of the pale blue.

It must be awful to be in her position right now - a time to celebrate and feeling so ill. IT will be a pity if the Malta trip is called off, but her health and that of the baby must come first.

Regarding China - your blog says "It also looks more than likely the recently reported China tour for next year will not be going ahead". That trip was pure speculation and therefore isn't being cancelled. IT may happen some time in the future but it has never been definite to date.

As always Charlotte, thanks for the update!! I can't even imagine what she is going through, since my pregnancies were healthy all the way through. One positive this time around it that she is able to stay home. I hope she will not have to be admitted to the hospital and that it will subside and be done with in several weeks time. Really looking forward toward to her next time out and about! I really don't think we will be seeing an new fashions on Kate for quite sometime. As she is such a recycler of her beautiful clothes, she has quite a nice maternity wardrobe from her first pregnancy and I believe we will see all of these outfits again. It is still fun to see Jenny Packman's new fashions. I think she is my favorite of the designers Kate wears. She has some stunning pieces. Perhaps we will see a new fashion on Kate when she, William and the new baby leave the hospital - especially if it is a girl! I also have to say how much I love the interview that Harry gave on becoming an Uncle again. He just cracks me up!! He seems like such a great guy! I read somewhere that he calls himself the Funcle - "fun uncle" and it fits him perfectly. How I do hope that he will find the love of his life sometime soon! What a catch he is!!Thanks Charlotte!Jen from MD in the USA

This news wouldn't be so disappointing if Kate had been doing more regular engagements this summer. Obviously I feel bad for her and hopes she recovers but at the same time it's really frustrating that she will probably keep her engagements to a bare minimum now that she is pregnant again. I bet she won't have any official engagements until the end of the year. *sigh*

I know how you feel, big sigh. I have given up any hope that Kate will be a regular, working royal, at least not until her children start school. But like you, I hope she feels better soon and has a happy pregnancy.

Poor Catherine---sounds as though she is at her sickest just now. Let's hope that it does improve after the first trimester, as it obviously did before---but it is not a foregone conclusion.Love many of the gowns, but I don't expect to see the Duchess undertaking any engagements for some time. Sensible to be having the babies whilst they are not on full-time royal duties.

It gives me great comfort that she is receiving the best care and is being carefully watched. She grows even closer to my heart because I KNOW what she is experiencing. I honestly believe Malta is out, and she will need to sit tight and stay at home. You see, the hard nausea never goes away, and anything can set off a vomiting spell, which is violent. I had to hold my stomach with my right hand when I walked, because it gave my poor stomach some stability. You honestly do not realize how much lurching your body endures just walking around until you have had HG. Riding in vehicles is another huge issue as well . . . and you do not realize fully how much lurching your body endures just riding along, coming to a stop, or making a turn. I arrived at work with hard HG nausea and car sickness!! True, I carried on, just barely, but my complexion was pasty white and I looked haggard . . . not exactly a look you want to share with the whole world! I would assume air travel would be just brutal as well. For Catherine, dining in public would also be an issue. You can really only have a few sips and a few bites. I also had to be extremely careful of utensil placement around my mouth while eating, especially spoons, and had to slide foods very carefully inside my mouth. HG gives you the bonus gift of extreme oral sensitivity. Believe it or not, I still have an issue brushing my teeth . . . . after almost 12 years. You also never know when you do eat a bite or drink a sip . . . it just may come back up violently. (yes, even water!) You also need to be impeccable about your oral hygiene. I saw my dentist once a month for a look-see at my pearly whites. (Bless him, he did this for not one penny.) Honestly, Zofran was the miracle drug they gave me and I only used a pill when I felt like I was seriously going to lose it, even though they wanted me on it all the time. I just didn't completely trust it was safe for my baby. They need to be extremely careful with Catherine. My physician was convinced I would have lost my daughter had I not been very healthy prior to my pregnancy, but I also had an extra 15 pounds on me . . . and losing another 10 pounds on top of that made my situation just really scary. Every bit of nutrition and hydration is extremely important for Catherine right now. A swallow that stays down makes a huge difference. A few items I incredibly could keep down that I SIMPLY DID NOT EAT OR EVEN LIKE: very well done bacon, anything with barbecue sauce on it, potato chips, fettucini alfredo. You know what? My daughter LOVES all of these "foods." She also has a salt craving, which most children born of HG mothers experience. As she has grown older, she fully understands the dangers of too much salt. Sorry for sharing waaaay too much, but I felt a deeper understanding is needed. It truly is debilitating, and just when you think everything's going to be okay, hard nausea and all, you get another HG curve ball. Let's all keep her in our prayers.

Colleen - the palace indicated that doctors were managing Catherine's care at home. I wonder how much medical care they are able to provide to her - before she would have to moved to hospital. Do you think they would be able to provide IV to her if necessary at the palace - or would she have to go in at that point. Wondering what kind of medical treatment she is being given. Thanks.

Thank you Colleen and several others who have shared either what they or their friends have experienced. It helps to know exactly what Kate is presently going through. There does not appear to be any doubt that Kate will not be going to Malta. It was quite an honor for the Queen to have chosen her and Kate would have done her usual outstanding appearances.

I think she can get all of her care at home - last time she didn't have a London home large enough to house staffing - but now there is room for 24 hour private duty nursing as well as for the nanny to look after George, and a housekeeper to manage the day to day in the new apartment. There is room for her mother (and father) as well. In this way she'll have privacy to manage it without needing to upset a hospital setting - to pull resources from there nor need a security plan for a stay. Most severe forms of the condition need IV therapy and that is something that can be done in the apartment - doesn't require special equipment only found in hospitals.

I agree Moxie. And last time she was at her parents. That's why she went to the hospital and it was no use moving her while she felt that bad. If she had been "normal" I think she would have stayed longer but because of security and press I think she wanted home as soon as possible. That's why I'm thankful she can get treated in the comfort and security of her own home this time!

Anon 20:40, she would be able to take iv at home and careful monitoring by a nurse and physician I am sure. They are certainly carefully monitoring her oral intake of nourishment, too. The vomiting is severe and violent, and I found it quite difficult to manage without cracking my head. She is probably weak and plainly exhausted. I hope and pray they administer Zofran or its equivalent in the UK. For me, if that med did not work, it was a PICC line

Thank you for your description, Colleen,really gave us a good feel for the misery Kate is going through.I recall my friends had the same business about food, the things they could manage a bit better were things no one would ever expect for someone being ill and not things they normally liked. Don't remember the mouth part but it makes so much sense. The body is in complete turmoil.

I suspect Kate is having treatment at the palace because of the horrible business when she was hospitalised last time, and the need to face the press when she was discharged. When the queen had her babies, they set up a full medical suite at Buckingham Palace,so I'm certain they can have drips and nurses and all at Kensington. Much better really.

If any of the talk of Harry's birthday party is true, fear Kate may be missing that event too.

Colleen, thanks for sharing your story. Bless your heart. While I had 4 great pregnancies with just on and off sickness throughout (manageable vomiting), my sister suffered from HG with all three of her pregnancies and was hospitalized throughout each. It was horrid. I cannot imagine the exhaustion Kate is feeling. It's so sad some women suffer through this at such a joyous time. Anon 20:40, she can have all the care she needs right in the comfort of KP. With my sister, she had a PICC line and home health came in every other day. With her 2nd she was so ill that they inserted a feeding tube into her stomach and hooked up a bag of nutrients daily (fat was what it looked like) to make sure the baby was getting something. I'm sure Kate has the very best care right there. Praying that the sickness eases and she can enjoy her 2nd and 3rd trimester as she seemed to do with George. Thanks again Colleen for sharing. :)

Lovely post Charlotte, hope all come over to the Royal Digest. Maxima's "Skirt caught in the loo" dress is worth a look. Beautiful colour on her though.

There seems a lot of disagreement about H.G. I'm being told my poor friend who was diagnosed some years ago and suffered through her whole pregnancy could not have had it because she struggled to go to work.

But Kate who likewise was diagnosed did make a couple of appearences while still ill -she attended the sports awards (looking beautiful but terribly frail and almost as green as her gown - and she also went to church. So I wonder if a surprise appearence at Invictus for a short spell might not be possible. Friends who did/did not have it, but were extremely ill said the one - and worst thing - was, you couldn't plan. Make a committment and that was the day you were confined to bed being ill every few minutes. So I suspect any appearence by Kate will be short and a complete surprise.

Think Malta must be out for that reason. It entails full days of engagements and unlike most women, Kate can't really just nip to the loo if she feels poorly all of a sudden. It will be interesting to see who is sent. As it's just a weekend could be William or possibly Harry. Someone said Sophie as well, although changing out of a particular branch of royals does seem a bit uncommon these days. Not sure why.

One thing I noticed last time is Kate really recovered very quickly, possibly due to having the best medical care out there. As a first baby, George may have been late but it seems unlikely he was more than two or three weeks overdue or there would have been intervention - so that puts Kate's due date for last time at the beginning of July or later. By New Years, she was travelling to Sandringham and going to the circus, she flew to Mustique in January and did the appearance at the Portrait Gallery. All that was in her third month which means she had a very quick recovery. Hope it will be the same this time.

Don't think a lot of engagements were planned anyway for autumn but that does mean there may be an occasional one or some Kate spotting if things go as they did last time for her before the end of the year.

As far as the Packham dresses go, if Kate was going to miss a collection this might be a good one, with the exception of that blue gown which is my favourite also. Those ballerina length look all right on the models but I think they would be quite difficult to wear successfully. Several royal ladies have tried that length without complete success - it was best on Diana in the past who had very long legs. Don't think it would be a good look on Kate at all.The white or cream gown is rather pretty though.

Was shocked at the anti-Diana tone in the new bio on Harry - it sounded vicious and so prejudiced to one who can't defend herself. Penny Junor is known to be a rather biased supporter of Charles but stills surprised as it is supposed to have been written by insiders that she would do that to the boys. Surely, William and Harry can't like having their mum discussed that way with no chance to answer back. One of the queen's insiders recently wrote in a nasty way too. How much Diana did for the monarchy seems to be forgotten now in an effort to make Charles look good.

There really is so much misinformation going around regarding HG. There's a large portion of people who are very misinformed about it. My mother had it through each of her pregnancies and was so desperately unwell for the entire duration of the pregnancy her consultant advised her not to have more children.

My closest friend from university had a baby three years ago and she went through it. I was discussing it with her the other day and she told me because of the illness she endured she would never have another baby. Obviously Kate has access to excellent medical care which can be provided at her home and a nanny to help with George which are excellent comforts but it is still a dreadful illness for anyone to go through.

This website offers great information on it https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/

I agree, Charlotte, I was shocked that some were questioning what was an ob/gyn's diagnosis even today and suggesting male bosses were "understanding" for "letting" someone work when ill! Hardly how we saw it at the time. More like a horrible situation for which there were no good answers.

I recall everyone telling my friend "next month will be better" or the second trimester is better - no one imagined back then twenty years ago, she could be ill for the entire pregnancy. Like many illnesses involving women, I think it used to be hidden away and not discussed because it surely existed before recent times. I was stunned to read that Charlotte Bronte may have died of it. Reading about the experiences of participants on this blog, show what so many women have had to go through like your mum and my friends. And it does leave a terrible decision about whether to risk another pregnancy.

Although I lost touch after leaving work with my friend who had H.G so severely, I remember what she went through vividly. Even though she had longed for a baby, said she would never go through that again for the world, just like your friend. The professions are not designed for someone taking almost a year and half off work. My friend wanted six months home with her baby (she actually took four) and was worried about her clients and whether she would advance in her firm. As it turned out, I was not lucky and never gpt pregnant but I made the decision if I did and was that ill, I would simply quit and try to regroup later.

Kate is more fortunate than most, for not having to worry too much if she cancels (although Malta must be a huge disppointment) for having ample help at home, for having the best medical care at hand and for having recovered quite quickly last time. Hope it is the same this time. But whether Kate goes on to work directly on related charities or not, just bringing attention to the condition must be a huge benefit for so many who are struggling with an illness so many see as just glorified morning sickness.

I feel for poor George who must be so confused to have his mother so ill when he is really too young to understand what is happening. I'm sure he'll be a brilliant big brother in the end, but there may be a bit of jealously at first for no longer being the centre of everyone's attention.

HG can be harsh. A close friend died. I only have one child. I have nursed many with the condition. I am with those who think that this would be a good cause for the duchess.to champion..... more research, more workplace empathy, more community support. Ruth from Brooklyn

I feel that way too. Know some thought last time it put too much pressure on the duchess to take on a cause she had suffered from but it is an area that still has a lot of misunderstanding. Diana did so much for Relate and for eating disorders, it was so brave of her -- and other royals have taken on areas where they have a personal interesting including William, so hope it is possible.

Penny Junor can always be relied upon to be critical of and mean-spirited towards Diana's memory, while worshipping C&C. How ironic that she accuses Diana of being a bad mother and doing things that hurt W&H. What about this book?! Has she considered the impact on Diana's sons?

And I'll take it a step further...it wouldn't take much for Charles to let it be known that he does not approve of this sort of thing being written about the mother of his sons, and I bet it wouldn't happen again (at least not by Ms Junor).

I wish Charles would be rather fear it was written with his tacit consent since supposedly insiders participated. Only hope it is not as bad as excerpts make it sound but authors do know that their books will be excerpted and emphasis put on the worst bits. I only hope the boys aren't too hurt by it, or worse support it in any way. Mauling the dead like that is very bad in my eyes.

Another website for those interested in HG: www.helpher.org/, an American site for the Hyperemesis Education & Research Foundation, which is affiliated with PSS, in the UK. Warning: this makes for depressing reading; I fail to fathom women who would put themselves through this horrible experience more than once, although I suppose Kate hoped that lightning wouldn't strike twice. I am not overly optimistic that, second time round, Kate will respond as quickly as she did when carrying George.

I'd like to see Beatrice take on Malta, she is very well-spoken and could be a great asset to the royal family if she were allowed official duties. With Princes William and Harry dedicated to their private/military careers and Kate as a SAHM, I think the public would be well-served by giving Beatrice a chance.

I agree. For the royal family to be at its best, I think it needs involved members, both old and young. William and Kate clearly want a private life for the most part at the moment, it's unclear how much Harry will take on and Zara and Peter have both built their private careers.

Beatrice does seem like a natural - Andrew is said to be eager for his daughters to have a greater role, the queen is said to be devoted to them, and even though Beatrice and Eugenie have gotten a lot of negative press about various things, they have received good reports for what they have taken on. Down-sizing as Charles is said to want will really only work if all members are completely active and that isn't the case. So a modern day Princess Alexandra or Gloucester family could take on some of the duties.

I don't think it's fair to bring Zara and Peter into the speculation about royal obligations at all. It is my understanding that the Princess Royal eschewed royal titles for her children at the time of their birth. They are not on any kind of civil list for royal patronage. They just happen to have very rich and famous relatives. At the time of the London Olympics, Zara seemed quite embarrassed that the press was making "a big deal" about her family connections.

Anon, Kate's office is keen to say she is not a senior royal when it comes to workload. And Beatrice has made a two-day trade visit to Germany on behalf of the Foreign Office. So it is Kate who has not done anything this high profile on her own, not Beatrice. Women don't have to compete.

Know Beatrice isn't a senior royal but one must start somewhere. Charles' plan for a reduced monarchy is going to run aground if William and Kate really do stay mostly private and new faces are going to be needed. I suppose they might send Camilla --Poor Malta!!

Don't think Anne would at all like playing second fiddle to an engagment that Kate had been given, even thought she is quite the trooper. But it will be interesting to see who is chosen.

I believe Beatrice has a full time job of her own so she can not go in place of Catherine. I would not like to see Beatrice doing this engagement. IMO she does not have what it takes to represent the Queen for something this important.

Why in the world would you say that Beatrice doesn't have what it takes to represent the Queen? Besides having embarrassing parents (not something the poor girl can help) and an occasionally questionable sense of fashion (which has steadily improved since the 2011 wedding), I can't think of anything that would prevent Beatrice from representing her grandmother with dignity and grace. In fact, I've seen a video of her public speaking, I think at the opening at her school, and was stuck by how confident and eloquent she was - much better than Kate, in fact.

"Pared back" is a good phrase for describing the difference between Marilyn Monroe and the skinny models! I think the white gown with sparkly silver belt and shoulders would look good on Kate, maybe in a brighter color, and there could even be a maternity version sans belt. I like the filmy nude gown with sequins in the center of the fourth row, but I can't imagine Kate would wear it. I also like the way the print was used on the full gown in the first row, but it's another one I doubt Kate would wear. She could wear the first of the little black dresses, which is stunning, perhaps in a full length version.

Thanks, Charlotte, for the update on Kate's condition. It really doesn't sound as if she will be attending any events this month, which makes me wonder, given her plans, whether she became pregnant a bit earlier than intended. Harry was not asked if his birthday party is still in the works. If it's true that Kate wants three babies in quick succession, that will be a lot of wear and tear on her, even though she seems to be robustly healthy otherwise.

For many of my girl friends having your babies 18 to 20 months apart was pretty typical. I have many friends who wanted large families and made a point of trying to have their four or five kids all about 18 to 20 months apart. These friends wanted to get through the pregnancies very quickly and not have years of the baby and toddler stage of their kids spread out over years. Also the older you are when you start the more anxious you are to get a move on so to reduce older Mom risks. My friends who were healthy had no issues with being pregnant that regularly. It really just depends on the woman. Kate except for the HG seems to have had a very healthy pregnancy, delivery and quick recovery. Agree that you would really want to have kids to go through HG more than once but maybe her Drs are able to really help her feel a bit better and if it does reduce by the third month she can at least see a light at the end of the tunnel. Here is hoping she is under control and feeling better by the end of her third month. ali

I had HG with all three of my pregnancies. In my first pregnancy, I lost twenty one pounds in three weeks. It was really horrible. In the US a lot of hospitals won't see you on the antepartum ward until at least twelve weeks. The doctors and nurses in the emergency room knew me by name. I had an amazing OBGYN and he would send orders so I didn't wait hours for hydration. I ended up, three times during my first pregnancy, going home with an IV and my mum would stay and help change the bags out. I Had to miss a lot of work. I would have been fired if it hadn't been a small Christian school I worked at. They were very understanding.

Thee HG wasn't as severe with my second, but I remember being more exhausted because I had to try and keep things normal for my first child. I hate when people call it severe morning sickness. It is a horrendous all day sickness. Nothing stays down. Nothing and you are miserable. Walking from the bedroom to the kitchen sapped my energy. My HG was horrendous until at least twenty weeks each time I was pregnant.

Praying that the meds and hydration help the Duchess and that she begins to feel better soon.

Just want to say I really enjoy this blog. Thank you for all the work that goes into it. It's fun to participate in a forum with people from all around the world! I will say that, for the most part, everyone here is respectful even when dealing with totally opposite opinions. The Michelle Obama fashion blog I followed for years (now defunct), was plagued with awful fighting and name-calling, and by the end, the moderator frequently had to intervene to tell people to behave. Of course, American partisan politics had a lot to do with it too. Glad that is not the case here.

Agreed, very beautifully written, and always fabulous fashions from Mrs. O., as well as a great opportunity to learn more about Michelle as a person. Everyone was pretty heartbroken when that blog ended.

Don't worry about the Duchess. Morning sickness is just the bodies way of getting ready for birth. Nature carrying out some internal plumbing, expelling all the impurities, and replacing it with goodness. All perfectly natural.

FIrst you call us girls and then you tell us that extreme nausea is no big deal, and getting us ready to host the baby for 9 months. By that statement you're saying that Kate must have a lot of impurities to expel (given she's got HG) too.

Let me give you a tip. You've said you're a man, so don't patronize us by calling us "girls" and don't minimize what's happening here. Any time hospitalization is in the cards, it's scary.

Cancer is perfectly natural too, you know. So is cyanide. Don't want either of those do you?

Come on, Sam! I usually love it that you are a hopeless romantic--but you are stretching it to try to romanticize morning sickness. Furthermore, the Duchess's HG is much more serious and severe than a little queasiness.

Oh, Sam, you haven't been reading! Hyperemesis gravidarum is not normal morning sickness. Mothers' bodies are sensitive to the hormones that rise in pregnancy. Some are more sensitive than others; I had less trouble with them, just a blah feeling and fatigue during the first trimester. I think the constant illness Catherine is undergoing is more like an allergy, though I have not seen that word used. Perhaps more like food sensitivity. Apparently she eventually adjusts to the heightened hormone levels, as they begin to taper off. Some women never adjust throughout pregnancy. This is not a matter of cleansing! It seriously endangers a woman's health, and therefore her baby's, if left untreated.

I sure wish men could care a child once. And go through everything a woman does. Including the nasty sickness the Duchess is going through right now.Sam it is not just regular morning sickness. I would not say another word about it unless you have walked in a pregnant womans shoes.

Well said bluhare I couldn't agree more with every word you wrote. Us "girls" shouldn't worry about Kate, suffering from a severe debilitating illness, because its just natures way of saying "you've got nasty impurities in your body, they need to go" I'm still in my early 20's and have basically made the decision now that I will not be having children, but if by some change of fate I do change my mind and become pregnant I would be positively ticked off if suffering from HG and someone was so dismissive about it.

No, Sam, no. This is NOT "perfectly natural". Did you not read that Charlotte Bronte actually DIED from severe "morning sickness"? Tip: that is not the way "perfectly natural" pregnancies are supposed to end.

I had a "perfectly natural" pregnancy but without any morning sickness at all up until the beginning of the sixth month. Then all hell broke loose. I began to die and the doctors said they'd have to end the pregnancy when I came very close to death. It was all due to my body suddenly rejecting those "perfectly natural" pregnancy hormones; my son miraculously lived although born in the 26th week. There was nothing normal about it at all.

So you see, "perfectly natural" is not a good description except when the mother has good health throughout the normal nine months. Anytime the expectant mother does not have good health, we would do very well to worry. I think your "comfort" could be redirected into concern for Catherine.

Sorry but people stopped commenting because some of the topics were totally unrelated and it had taken over the blog. Plus it was like a high school clique with some of the silliness. I think many here are relieved that it's back to normal.

I stand by my comment. If Charlotte chooses to remove it, that is up to her. I found Sam's comment insensitive, cruel and patronizing to everyone here and especially those who have suffered from the condition. Thank you for allowing me to say it again.

I actually think Bluhare was right to shout out a little. Ofc Bluhare doesn't think that person wishes cancer on someone. But it was a way to "shock" people by taking the persons argument a' absurdum to point out the illogical part of that persons argument.

Charlotte - I know they exchanged emails. But that only gives themselves to get their company. I miss them...

Rebecca, I agree with you. Sometimes shock value can add to an argument exactly as you described it. Personally, I 'd rather read a blunt remark that someone takes credit for and is willing to stand behind than a condescending one. And I thought Sam's was exactly that. Sorry.

Charlotte, I'm glad the ladies exchanged emails and are able to keep up their friendships. I don't blame them. I have done exactly that with a few people I have befriended online over the years. We've become very close and we can keep the two worlds separate (to everyone's relief, I'm sure) . LOL. :)

Absolutely Royalfan. Often times readers develop friendships and that's really wonderful. In order to continue growing that friendship they enjoy sharing emails or chatting on Facebook but still follow Kate in a different way.

Anon(shrink in Alaska) I'm anon 5:51The original poster of this comment is NOT a doctor, so in this case no he does not know more about my own body than I do. Nor does he know about Kate's. I take a keen effort to know everything that's going on with my body and I'm not going to fall for that whole "trust me I'm a doctor" shtick. For him to make a comment like that was absolutely asinine.

Blimey...... Did I say something wrong..??? My mum was a midwife and my sister is a nurse. I've grown up hearing them talking about babies, pregnancies's, and women's stuff. I used to say " see you later " and go play football. I've even watched homebirths when I was a kid. My mum used to take me on calls. I held my little brother while a rabbi performed a circumcision..... so.u I'm battle hardened.

If the duchess needs advice, cos I know she reads this blog,she can call me.....no problem

Sam, you need to consult with your mother, if she's still here, and with your sister and their colleagues before you write any more words about illness in pregnancy! Apparently you saw the good end results. Severe suffering along the way would have been handled in hospitals, and maybe you were not aware of it. In any case, increasing your education would be good so that you do not ignore the effects of the complications that can occur.

Anon 10:38Why does it have to be a male obstetrician? There are plenty of qualified ob/gyn female doctors. Just because you're a male does not make you a better doctor. Having HG does not require a male doctor. I'm sure a female doctor is just as qualified.

No Rebecca. Anon 10:38 is dead serious. I'm sorry but I outright disagree with you anon. Just because women can have children doesn't mean it makes them less qualified at doing their job. They know how to distance themselves from every patient and not get. That sounds like the old adage that a woman will never be in a great position of power because she'll be "too emotional". That's plain stupid in my opinion. I think that old tradition should die. It's 2014 and if someone honestly believes a woman doctor is less qualified because she is "too emotional" is plain crazy. Anon I'm merely speculating but you have to be over 40? Kate is going with the best doctors possible. He has been taking care of the Queen for years. So obviously she will go with him. It has nothing to do with his gender, if he were a she and had still been taking care of the Queen, Kate would still have her looking after the well being of her and her unborn child. Some women actually prefer a female doctor more especially ob/gyn because of the fact that they can relate more because they know what its like to go through childbirth. And are more comfortable with someone of the same gender as them. My mind is totally blown that on this day and age there's still people out there who believe that a male doctor is better than a female. Wow!

Absolutely no pun intended here, but I find it nauseating for someone to suggest (in 2014) that someone in the medical field is more qualified based on gender. If we're talking about strength and physical requirements and abilities in another field, I understand, but not here. One of my closest friends is an OBGYN and she is as intelligent and no-nonsense as they come. Plus, there is such a thing as being able to relate to the patient and surely a female doctor may have an edge here...

I had a male obstetrician. He was the best doctor that I ever had. He was over 40 Blair, but I am only 27, if that matters I don't know. I prefer male doctors, they are so calm and kind. And some are really hot like George Clooney used to be on ER. He was soooo good with kids. I think William and Kate would have loved Dr Doug to be their paediatrician! Callie from California

"Male muscle power," "men are more calm" - oh my goodness I am cracking up at the various reasons folks have for claiming men make better OG/GYNs, and I am soooo thankful that these attitudes are not widespread in 2014. I'm incredibly proud of two of my college roommates who managed to kick butt in medical school and become *wonderful* OB/GYN residents despite their weak muscles and emotions (kidding, obviously!!)

I'm glad Kate is getting the care she needs. I don't have kids, but I had a boss that dealt with HG and it's not in your mind or an excuse. She had a heplock in her arm for IV meds. How she came into work is something I'll never know. Wishing Kate and the new baby all the best. Also, good wishes to The Duke, who must be terribly worried about her and the baby.

I like the fashion piece, Charlotte. I always thought Marilyn Monroe was one of the worlds most beautiful women. Sad to think she would have been called fat if she were in her prime today.

Just listened to the President about ISIS, UghSo happy for the Inviticus Games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dear Will and Kate, you are having another baby! We all couldn't be happier for you all!! George, I hope you get a brother :)Charlotte, hugs :)))

When we discussed Kate's protection officers, someone pointed out that she was assigned a second agent as soon as her pregnancy with Prince George was announced. Then there was a description of four officers at a nearby table when Kate and William had dinner at a restaurant in Norfolk on September 28. We thought it might have been because of the heightened security alert. But I wonder whether the protection had also been increased because of Kate's second pregnancy. Like the wine spritzer, four agents rather than three might have been camouflage.

INTERSTING THOUGHT. IT WAS NOT LONG AFTER THAT THAT IT WAS ANNOUCED SHE WAS PREGNANT.MAYBE KATE & WILLIAM WERE OUT CELEBRATING THE GOOD NEWS. NO WONDER THEY WERE LOOKING LOVINGLY INTO EACH OTHER EYES, HOLDING HANDS AND KISSING.

Hi Charlotte, it has been awhile since I have posted, but I do keep up with reading all your wonderful updated postings of Duchess Kate.Along with all the other posters I wish the Duchess the very best with a speedy recovery! Thanks again, for all your informative postings. I love all the Jenny Peckham dresses :) Best regards to you Charotte.

Hello Charotte, it has been awhile since I have posted to your wonderful blog sight, however, I always enjoy reading everyone's postings. I wish Duchess Kate the very best for a speedy recovery! I do love each of your informative posts! ..Also, love seeing all the pretty Jenny Peckham dresses.

Whew! Glad to be back! I have been so busy with work and my barely adult kids needing help with everything under the sun lol.

I just had a chance to catch up and read all the posts. I had a strong feeling that the Duchess was going to be pregnant again soon. Wasn't all that surprised when I saw the post, but was very happy to hear the news!!! But I am so sorry that Catherine is so so sick. I pray she gets over it soon, not so she can make an engagement, but just so she will be healthy and well. Possibility of getting sick "up to 30 times a day"? That is horrible! I pray also she doesn't require going to the hospital. And, personally, I hope it is a girl!

I was reading some of the comments, and I noticed a lot of the regular commenters are gone?! Hi Leo! Where is everyone? Leo, I hope you are well! I am exhausted, but have a day off tomorrow, thankfully.

Oh, I LOVE those dresses! And I can see Catherine in most of them. Except maybe the ballgowns, I didn't like their colors.

Hope the brood is doing well now. Was never lucky enough for little ones myself but friends who have he "barely adult" age is a rough one, when they think they are independent but still want help from mum and/or dad. Always remember, they come to appreciate mum in the end!

Miss Jo and the gang. Even if they are emailing privately, wish they could find a moment to share with us the warm glow of the new pregancy. Are you out there, everyone!!! We miss you.

Going to pretty soon start talking prospective names - so much fun last time for those who weren't aboard yet. We all made out choices and I would love to hear what Esti, Marg and Jo would pick. And Jennifer from Wisconsin. Everyone should come back on board for the great name selection. Need as many as possible. Sure any bad feelings have evaporated in the excitement of a new little prince or princess.

Either sex would be lovely but I was amazed that Charles made a choice. Surely, it's too soon for them to know yet! Or is it? These tests seem to improve everyday. But if it is a boy, might make the little prince feel a bit unwelcome. A girl would be delightful but William and Harry have had so much fun together, a brother for George would be nice too.

You should pop over to the Royal Digest, Jenn. A couple of postings ago, Maxima wore a very interesting dress - worth having a look at. And Charlotte is doing postings on Mary whose style is so similar to Kate's.

Jenn I think all the negative post and nasty comments in past posts have driven away alot of people.. I believe many are just reading and not commenting. I really don't blame them. It got pretty nasty here a while back.

Leo, Thank you so much for your concern! I am fine, not exhausted anymore. My "brood" lol, are doing well on their own, but they are arguing between themselves, sigh. I have 4 children: 1 daughter who is 21 now and thinks she is invincible and 3 boys, 19,18 and 16. The "adults" live together in an apartment about 20 miles from me and my 16 year old decided he wanted to live with his father in Florida, sigh, his father is far more lenient than I am. But, I talk to him a lot and see him often, so I guess its bareable. But my 3 adult kids argue all the time and it gets to be very stressful. I wish they could get along better. At least they are all in college and doing well there, that's one good thing ;).

I figured that the gang was emailing each other. I emailed Charlotte and asked her to give you all my email address also, but I never got a response either way. So I guess I'm not part of the "gang" :(, ah well, such is life. Yes, it would be nice to hear from them. I miss their comments.

I would love to guess about the name for the soon to be prince or princess. I think I will wait to see whether it is a boy or girl first.

I too had difficult pregnancies, I didn't have what the Duchess has though. I did have severe morning sickness that eventually went away, but the worst thing I had was early contractions from about 3 months till the end (with all 3 boys). I was bedridden, ugh, put on medicine that made my heart race, but was supposed to help with the early labor. I lost about 30 lbs with each of them, and my 2 youngest came 2 months early anyway. I truely sympathize with Catherine and hope she gets better very soon. Feeling sick all the time, and getting sick continously is a horrible feeling, at least to me it was.

Pam, Yes, I remember reading all the fighting. I stayed out of it for the most part (made a few comments), I really didn't understand the point of it and actually how it all started to begin with.

Oh Leo, I almost forgot, thank you for the suggestion about the Royal Digest. I will definetly check it out! Take care! Very nice to hear from you!

The children will sort themselves in the end, Jenn. Seen it so often in large familes and they do have rows later on as well, but care about each other too. You are lucky they are all at university! I just had a friend go through a similar situation with her boy - wanted to be with dad. Believe boys at that age often do. He soon found it was not as much to his liking as he had thought, his mum said he must carry on with it as it had been his decison.

Suspect the others may not have gotten your email address. I rather wanted to give mine but promised Hubby I never would if I participated on blogs --something I never did until this one. Know they would never mean to exclude you. But we are so glad to have you here! Hope the others come back too.

I do feel that while we have our rows here on occasion, it always sorts itself out in the end. Not sure what started it last time - think one rarely does know with rows but things seem quite back to normal now.

What you went through sounds as bad as the duchess and doing it three times over must have been absolute hell. These days the papers with all their talk of celebrities make the whole process sound so easy, perfect pregnancy, lose weight immediately, breast feed with complete ease, but it isn't that way for so many. If there is any silver lining to Kate's condition, it is that it has brought attention to H.G. and what many women have to go through.

I would love a 'Kate Loves' post about her hairdressers. To me, her hair never looked better than right before and after announcement of Baby #1 -- specifically in Cambridge and St Andrews in Nov 2012. I can't quite pinpoint what's different now (the length? The blowout?). Her beauty transformation has been fascinating to me -- specifically from her pre-engagement day to now.

Our prayers go out to Kate right now, and William, too, trying his best I'm sure to take care of her. It must be so terribly difficult for someone usually so healthy to go through this. I am also hoping it will totally subside before the end of the first trimester. Yes, maybe, it will become one of her foremost causes and charities, as she would be the perfect spokeswoman to raise awareness, and raise funds for research toward cures and alleviation of symptoms.

Ya William is taking care if her. Then why is he at the Opening of the games and then there again today. I think he should be home helping with George instead of the nanny. He is out playing. Not right William.I am sure Kate would love it if William was home with her. But we all know William does what is wants.

Anon 19:36, I think that's very unfair. If William *had* been at home with Kate there would be criticism directed at him for not pulling his weight and taking his responsibilities seriously. And we'd read comments about normal couples needing to get on it. If Kate's situation was critical, I am sure he would be there. I assume she is getting the care she needs so he is doing his job and getting on with it.

I definitely think William is taking care of her as much as possible. Kate must be very disappointed to miss the Invictus games and she likely supports William going since we are already disappointed in her absence (though of course more worried about her health). Also even though it may look like playing to us, to the Royals these appearances are work! Isn't that what everyone is always going on about, that they should "work" more? But at the same time I know how much I love when my husband is home with me when I am sick. I am currently 11 weeks with my second (SO SO excited to be pregnant at the same time as Kate!!!!!) and feeling very piqued (though I'm sure nothing compared to what the Duchess is experiencing.) I imagine William is a very doting husband, especially when Kate is so sick carrying their child.

I disagree. Kate would love to be at the Invictus Games, and William is supporting the Games for both of them. There isn't much he can do for her besides sympathize, and George is well cared for. She surely wants William to attend the Games.

The games are so important to Harry and indeed to the nation that I'm sure Kate would want William there.All those men and women have been through so much themselves. I saw a lot of empty seats in one of the photos. Hope people are coming and they are a great success.

The last time I was pregnant it went bad and I ended up in the hospital. My husband didnt sit by my bed all day and night, he went to work and it never occured to me to ask anything else. Life goes on and people get on with it.

Charlotte, thanks for the Packham collection photos, there are quite a few pretty frocks and gowns that would suit Kate. Can't say I love the black dresses and wonder what Marilyn would think of these. Very sorry to hear Kate is so sick and much appreciate all the first hand knowledge of other posters. It is a terrible thing for any woman to endure. Can't see how she can go to Malta, poor thing. Hope she will soon be feeling better and the rest of this pregnancy will be as her last one, healthy and happy.

Hope Kate feels better soon. Congratulations on the exciting news. I'm sure she and William are thrilled.All of these dresses are beautiful. I can envision Princess Mary of Denmark better in any one of these. She is the epitome of style and grace. She seems to have more engagements where she could where these clothes and is out and about more.

I would feel my sympathy for Kate if had done actual decent amounts of work this summer. If you knew you were pregnant in August, or at least trying to get pregnant and there was a chance it could make you ill, why not schedule some engagements throughout August? I dont understand her lack of activity this summer and it seems its going to continue after she gets over her morning sickness. Lets be real here..she did not up her engagement amount when she was pregnant with george

I do agree that Kate hasn't done as much since her marriage to William as we all had hoped she might, but something about the timing of this pregnancy makes me wonder if it was totally planned. Maybe. maybe not.

It's from the Invictus games. So cute. Note how it seems that they were walking (Harry and the woman behind still standing with a foot forward) and William suddenly came to a stop. So adorable seeing him cooing over that baby. And Harry's smile looking at it. Aww! :D

My first thought on hearing that Kate was pregnant again was of course EXCITEMENT (I am 11 weeks with #2 and SO excited we are likely due within a few weeks of each other!!!) and also that she wants to have 3 children before turning 35. At least here in the States OB's automatically classify you as "high risk" at 35 and the statistics of complications do start to rise at that age. I personally love that she will have two close together!! I also thought about how hard it must have been to be pregnant in the dead of summer. I am so grateful that both my babies have been due in the Spring so I got to be pregnant in the cool winter rather than the stifling summer. I am very proud of the Duchess of being so brave as to take on another pregnancy knowing that HG is likely to come back. I absolutely love and admire how family-oriented she is and am already dying to know if she will have another little prince or princess!

Also does anybody else find it funny that bookies are taking bets on the names Alexandra and Louisa for girls? Isn't it terribly unlikely that they would name a daughter that considering that George is George Alexander Louis?

Congratulations Anna! Such wonderful news! I hope you are feeling well and are enjoying this special time. Almost through with the first trimester...woohoo! Three of my four were summer babies and it was awful in the eternal heat in south Texas. Thankful Kate won't deal with the summer heat with #2. Congrats again!

With due respect to Jenny Packham for creating a truly lovely collection, I cannot think "Marilyn Munroe" when I look at these dresses. Perhaps it's just that today's models are all stick-thin and Marilyn was an incredibly curvy, voluptuous woman--I could maybe see her filling out some of the straight dresses, or the favored blue off-the-shoulder dress, and giving them some ooomphiness, but I can't picture her in any of the full-skirted floor-length gowns. Now Catherine would look wonderful in those; I especially like the gun-metal silver-gray, but the pattern on the first-row dress is very interesting. The ball gown with the all-over flowers looks like something the Good Witch out of The Wizard of Oz might have chosen. Hmmmm.

I do hope Catherine doesn't suffer the entire nine months as many of you have said you experienced. My hat is off to you who have endured these things worse than Catherine's condition apparently is. That said, I still hope she feels much better soon.

I said to my hairdresser today that I had never really known anyone who suffered hyperemesis gravidarum. She replied that she'd had it and that she was hospitalized for IVs during both of her pregnancies. She was so weak she could not cook dinner for fear of passing out. But she said the IVs helped immensely. That was the first time I had known that the IV treatment increases comfort as well as safety. She also said that she kept dreaming about great food! That was news to me. Even though I never had severe nausea, I liked only light foods during early pregnancy. She said after she recovered, she ate a lot and enjoyed it.

Being reported this am that Catherine is anxious to go to Malta, so will not make the decision until the last moment. Also that if she cannot go, William will go instead.Harry has cancelled his 30th birthday party because of Catherine's sickness

I think William *should* go if Kate is unable to make it. There will be less disappointment in Malta if he goes (as that other half of the star power couple). And it would avoid family politics (within the firm) as well.

Lovely Pacham frocks, Thank You Charlotte. I am torn between knowing Malta deserves HRH the Princess Royal and so wanting HRH Princess Beatrice of York to have a role, as I think she'll be quite good if only given the chance (I am a bit confused as HM seems very find of the York Princess yet one feels HRH the PoW is being given his head on this downsizing thing, which is surely not in either the York girls' or theRF's best interests?). I do so hope HRH feels better, I am proud of the lot of them for patronising (and in Harry's case organising) the Invictus Games, and I think the continued contributions about people's experiences with HG underlines the continued call for the Duchess to add raising both funds and awareness for this deadly disease to her list of causes.

Fantastic post. The Jenny Packham designs are breathtaking, and a nice, temporary distraction from the anxiety I feel for Kate. (I also watched the Tory Burch runway show online and liked several of her day designs for next season. The light fringe is fun).

Hoping for good news soon, in the form of diminishing symptoms of this terrible sickness.

Poor kate having to go through with another pregnancy to have produced the heir and the spare. Like many people who have had it they've stuck to the one baby as the pregnancy so debilitating. Anna London

That's not the part I think poor Kate over. Many people offer alot to get one or more kids. The want for kids can be pretty darn strong. Maybe she thinks it's worth it? Charlotte, the owner of this blog is (if my memory is correct) one of 3 kids and their mother had HG with all of them.

It is traditional that an heir and "spare" be produced, ME. William and Kate have said they wanted at least two children, and it is traditional that the heir have two children. Look at the royal family. Two children everywhere except the queen, who had four. William and Kate are two of the very few people in the world for whom children absolutely are expected.

And "there are enough royals inline (sic) to take over if something happens" is a breathtakingly insensitive comment when one considers "something happening" would be the deaths of William and George.

Bluhare, I think ME was referring to the fact a "spare" isn't really necessary and that's right. Actually, more often than not, the line of succession hasn't gone directly, witness our current queen and Elizabeth and Victoria before her. And things can go smoothly even if an heir doesn't appear -think of Fabiola who was unable to have children. No one now thinks of Philippe of Belgium and Mathilde as poor runners up.

Having said that, I'm sure William and Kate want at least one more, both are close to their siblings and they have Charles saying he would like a girl. (Presume he'll be fine with a boy too unless he already has some inside knowledge that it's going to be a girl.) William did say he wanted two. There's all this talk that Kate wants three - I never know about this sort of thing - tend to dismiss it, but sometimes wonder if stories aren't "fed" to the press because often they turn out to be accurate.

I think the pressure put on crown princes and princesses to produce heirs is one of the more unfortunate part of the whole royal business. Look at the pressure on poor Masako of Japan, and then just when they were about to change it so her daughter could be the heir, her sister-in-law has a son and all the attention goes there after all Masako's struggle to get pregnant. There's a lot of pressure on Charlene too and it's lovely she fell pregnant, but Caroline's son would have been fine as well.

"Something happening" doesn't have to be death -- look at the Duke of Windsor. Someone can decide to abdicate. I've already said if there was some bad mistake was made in William's helicopter career, it could lead to him being passed over. (Hopefully not, but I wouldn't take the risk if I were him.)

Since Kate recovered quite quickly last time, it seems reasonable to me that she would go through a pregnancy again, and non-royals - one of my friends, and people on this blog -- have said they're willing to go through being ill most of their pregnancy because they long so much for another child. (Another friend who was much more ill, said never again!) Suspect people often hope H.G. won't happen again, although it does more often than not.

But if Kate had really said "I can't do that again" I hope her decision would be respected because if the British throne is meant to go on, it will whether George has a brother or sister or not.

And I think ME is someone who we all know posting under a name other than hers, Leo. I actually don't disagree with what you wrote. Being royal these days is anachronistic at best in some instances, and creating heirs is one. I wouldn't have blamed Kate one bit if she didn't want another pregnancy after the first one, although she seemed to be quite hale and hearty after the morning sickness abated. But the fact is that royals go for heirs and spares. William is no exception as he seemed quite surprised in the engagement interview when asked whether they'd have kids.

No question, Bluhare. They do have that mindset and now with so much attention from the press, it's exhausting to constantly have a another pregnancy speculated about. One would hope after this pregnancy, William and Kate will be left to decide if they want another without constant rumours of pregnancy but that's probably too much to hope for.

If they would take on royal work, there would be less need for the press to constantly be inventing subject matter, but that looks like too much to hope for too. We can expect all sorts of silliness in the next few years, I'm afraid.

bluhare For one my name is Mary Ellen and I am from New York and I resent you saying I am someone else. I have been reading this blog for a few months and I do not comment often because of people like you.As far as something happening does not mean to William or George. I guess you don't know much about the royal history as yo claim to know.Sorry to sound disrepecrful but you have pissted me off today. You think you know it all.Now I understand why many have left this blog.

It is no doubt true that the heir and spare are expected of them. But it's also true that William and Catherine are obviously drawn to children, and it has been reported that Kate would like three before she turns 35 - which means pregnancies pretty close together. I doubt if she has been pressured or is being pressured to have more children after this one. She may be pressuring herself if she has a third child.

That is not to say what would happen in Britain if there were a Masako situation. I hope the poor princess would not be driven into withdrawal from most of her royal role! I have always suspected that Masako suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome brought on by her bout with shingles, but she also must suffer depression, and like her mother in law she has been mistreated. Her tragedy is not just failure to produce an heir. She was also prevented from using her considerable intellectual ability for the good of her country. None of this is likely to happen to Catherine, especially with William as her champion. But one wonders how a childless consort would fare.

ME, that was certainly a strong response from someone who has only been reading the blog a few months. Especially given that your strong response matches another poster's attitude and tone. You also have quite an opinion of me for someone who hasn't been reading long and doesn't post often. An opinion that's matched almost exactly by someone else. Uncanny!

When you see that little face for the first time no amount of vomiting or pain matters. It is precious. They are a young married couple no different than you or I in emotions and desires. They just happen to be royal. I can tell you as a labor and delivery RN birth never gets old. Each one is a miracle and worth the struggles.

Hopefully, and most of the time. But the spreading of this is what makes the women who have postnatal depression (like Diana) or that don't bond with their babies instantaneously feel ashamed and as bad parents. And the risk of not bonding with your child is higher if you had a horrible pregnancy. So, yes. You are right. But if that is not the case, doesn't mean it won't be worth it in the long haul.

Actually it is placental separation and the rapid change in hormones that creates that causes post partum depression. It is not any different than a diabetic that needs insulin. Difficult pregnancies and deliveries are contributing factors for sure! I had post partum depression it is no walk in the park. I have given up personal time to start support groups in my community for post partum depression. Post partum depression doesn't change the fact that each baby is a miracle. I dare you to say what you did to me to a woman who cannot have children or a woman who is holding a dead baby weeping while telling you how much of a miracle her baby is. Believe me I don't say what I said lightly. Until people realize that post partum depression is an actual disease that needs treated women will suffer in silence, their children will suffer as well. As women we need to bond together not be divided by picking each other a part over comments made out of happiness for someone else.

I did not realize this. I'm just tired of all the pink clouds and fluff that people contribute to having the kid on your chest. Most of the times it is but not always. That all I said. I would never, never, ever, ever say (or don't even mean anything like that you took it as. All I said was that you can't diminish a persons terrible pregnancies by saying "you should be happy, at least you get a child in the end". Ofc the parent knows that, but that makes feeling sick and maye hating your pregnancy all the more shameful when you should be feeling happy. I think I must have miswritten something or yuou read it wrong. Because in no way I would ever diminish someones feelings about any of that you brought up.

All I have to say is this: Rebecca have you ever had a baby, suffered from this sickness, held a dead baby or suffered from post partum depression? If not then I would suggest that you watch very carefully what you write. There are many women here that might have suffered a lost of a baby, suffered from this sickness or sufered the depression so you just said that it was not important.

Anon, no I have not. I think I must write something wrong in english. This is not my first language. Because what I mean to say is nothing at all that you seem to hear.... All I wanted to show was sympathy for women that don't feel that overwhelming happiness that exact second they see their baby. That does not mean I don't have sympathy for all the other groups you guys mentioned! I in no way meant that was not important! I don't know what I wrote wrong.....

Rebecca I understood your meaning. Very sympathetic to all pregnant women with a real understanding of the shame some women feel when they do not immediately attach to their newborn or feeling miserable with pregnancy. Ali

I didn't read anything negative in what Rebecca wrote. I thought she was trying to say that when people say everything is worth the trouble in the end, it negates women who have had such a terrible time they have trouble bonding with their baby. As someone who has struggled with clinical depression her entire adult life, I sympathise with anyone who has to deal with it, whether as a result of a pregnancy or not. It is very difficult to function when people think you should be thrilled and you aren't. I do not think Rebecca said depression is not important at all, just the reverse in fact.

Thank you bluhare for translating me :P I have alot of sympathy for all kinds of invisible sicknesses. I myself have just gotten out of depression and am still battling anxiety that is bad enough that I can't work. So that's why it hurts when people misunderstand as much as above!

I think Rebecca was just saying not to trivialise a difficult pregnancy by saying that's eveything's fine because you'll have a bouncing baby you will love madly at the end of it.

She was pointing out that women shouldn't feel ashamed if they don't bond to their babies immediately, or if something goes wrong, or if they suffer post partum depression or post traumatic stress syndrome. And this is very true. All of us want to see pregnancy and birth as a joyful events, but that does place an enormous burden on women who have difficulties or even lose children. Not to mention, for those of us who can't have children at all, or who can't afford to have a second one.

I think we may be getting tangled up with language but all of us are trying to express the same thing - that there should be understanding for women if things don't go just like the glossy celebrities you read about in the papers. This includes birth difficulties, bonding, weight loss, breast feeding and infertility.

Should she choose to do so, this would be a wonderful area for Kate to be involved with because there is still a high leval of discomfort with prengancies and births that aren't perfect and there are still a lot of expectations placed on women to be perfect mums regardless of their situation.

Haaha, we actually call it Swenglish ;) Hahah... But I think I make the same mistakes in Swedish though. Rambling on in long sentences with commas and paranthesies (?) that makes it all hard to read.....

Rebecca, I thought your words were perfectly clear in all of your messages in this thread. Those who were blaming you seemed to be saying exactly what you had said! I think people sometimes read too quickly and mistake meanings. That has happened to me, and it has been a source of discord on this blog. I'm sure we all agree that life can be difficult and that glossy magazines can paint too rosy a picture. Don't worry about your English - I cannot express myself clearly in any language other than English, in spite of some years of study. You do it very well!

Thank you Anon 19.36 . I think that usually is the case. It's hard enough hearing the tones in text. And add to it that many of us have this as a second language or speak english from different countries. It's amazing we don't get more misunderstandings. :P

Thank you. I have read Spanish in school for 6 years and I can just remember like a few words here and there. So don't beat yourself up. Everyone in Sweden learn English since we're like 8 years old. And I watch ALOT of series, movies, chat on forums etc. In reading I kind of think of myself as fluent in english so I don't have bad confidence that I can get my point across. That's why I get so shocked and submissive when I think I have expressed myself wrong.

Rebecca, do not take it to heart. Your post made absoulute sense to me. I am Dutch, so I understand how things can become slightly altered in another languague. I think I speak good English tou, but sometimes it gets mixed up. Lets hope the Princess Kate feels better soun, and that we get to see her in one of thouse nice dresses.

I hope Kate is doing well and that her spirits are high - I feel sad tonight for her as the Invictus Games are great and it seems everyone is there but Kate - even Pippa & James Middleton are there tonight. The only glimmer of hope I have is that Kate must be doing OK or they, William included, wouldn't be out having a great time. I hope she feels better as soon as possible.

I don't understand... there was a tweet by Richard Palmer that on Wednesday Kate will decide if she goes to Malta.

.... If she is actually dealing with HG how can she make that decision? You don't get to decide if you do anything, HG decides. It doesn't matter how great the royal doctors are; all they can do is manage the HG not make it go away. She could get sick in Malta, and if she is less than 12 weeks along then the flight is a risk to the fetus anyway.

Something about this just doesn't make sense to me.

**I would like to end this with, I am sincerely excited for the new baby and I do hope she gets better soon, whatever is going on. No shade intended.

I agree with you Stephanie. Although if my family is any indication the British can be very much "dust yourself off and get on with it". But if Kate's sickness is that bad there's no way she can go to Malta and everyone probably knows it. Too bad William will have started his new job or he could have gone in her stead. (Shade intended!)

Since it's only a weekend, wonder if William couldn't go, but they are going to need fresh blood from somewhere if he and Harry don't take on more soon. Very iffy times.

Glad the "stiff upper lip" isn't being applied to Kate as much as poor Diana, who is still being pillored in the royal circles for her anorexia and her post partum depression while all the good she did is almost swept under the carpet. Charles' friends were just beastly talking about Diana but she showed so much courage in being open about her troubles -- a huge help to others who suffer from difficulties. Charles wrote off his friend Kanga too when she suffered from mental illness - there was no understanding at all. It is still an area where I would like to see royals put their good words into actual use.

Popping in to see if there's any more news. Praying that Kate is resting and hopefully getting some relief from the horrible sickness. Charlotte, I agree with you that Malta is extremely doubtful. I'm sad because I was really looking forward to seeing Kate shine on her first solo foreign visit, but her health and the babies health absolutely comes first. Wondering who will be chosen to take her place? It will be interesting to see. Charlotte, have you heard any news or have any clue on how far along Kate might be? I know "first few weeks" and "early stages" have been said, but just curious. I know they definitely won't give that info out, but.... Hoping and praying for Kate's sake that she will feel well for her 2nd and 3rd trimesters as she seemed to do with George.

I think it will be lovely to have George and his brother or sister so close in age. My first two were 19 months apart and it was wonderful! Maybe Charles will get his wish for a girl...wink, wink. :) I guess a happy, healthy baby is all one really hopes for.

The Jenny Packham gowns were beautiful! I loved them all! I guess there's no chance of seeing Kate in one any time soon, but it's always fun to browse and guess which one she might don. Maybe Kate will feel well by the holidays and we'll see her in a striking gown then. One can hope!

Charlotte, heading over to The Royal Digest now! Excited to see what will appear over there! Have a great weekend!

We've heard everything from four to eight weeks, so one or two months. So April seems to be the best guess for a birthdate. March seems a little early but it could even be the beginning of May.

Lots of interesting dates in April including the queen's birthday, and the fourth wedding anniversary, not to mention Shakespeare's birthday which is also Saint George's Day. If early he or she could be an Easter baby too on April 5, But there was all that talk of Diana verus Camilla bithdates last time, which was all a hum as it turned out, so who can say. And first pregnanices often seem to run later than subsequent ones.

Well, three of my four of my children were 3 to 4 weeks late. You like them to be well done, someone said! And no, I didn't miscount. :-b The fourth was earliest at only a week late, and was born very rapidly. Some people just carry their kids longer than others, and I think the average length of pregnancy has recently been adjusted to allow for natural variety.

I think Kate will have time for the St. Patrick's event a month or so before her delivery.

I really like many of the Packman dresses. Most of them look as though they would be much prettier in person under more natural lighting. I agree the last long blue gown is one of the best. but I really like some of the others. Some of the colors came off poorly which I suspect is lighting. I actually like the fist big flower blue and yellow gown one but I do not like that the yellow flowers go right over the breast area, not a fan of that use of patterned fabric which seems to be a somewhat common style with many current designers. Some of the pink gowns look spectacular also.Ali

Also, not that I think their child is just a thing to be betted on but... I do love games! I think its fun and we do these baby pools at work when a staff gets pregnant, and we bet $5 and then put all the money towards a nice baby gift for the new parents.Sooooo I choose April 16 as the due date, and I think it will be another boy. Arthur or Albert. :D!!!

I think that would be great fun if we can work it out. Instead of a baby gift, maybe it could go to another fund raiser like Baby Cambridge which raised so much for hospice. (Felt at times we were putting more effort in to Kate's charity than she was, but hopefully she does more behind scenes.) It would be so interesting to see what date and sex and even names that everyone chooses and who comes the closest.

Charlotte, I think your blog has caught an Anon virus. It's difficult to miss and I also find the timing quite interesting with some folks not posting or pretending not to.

I sincerely wish that a handful of people would give Charlotte the respect she deserves. She puts her heart and soul into this blog, and on a voluntary basis, no less. And it shouldn't be used to play games or fill other agendas.

And if she doesn't publish certain comments, GOOD for her. Again, it's her blog and she has every right to moderate the tone or content of comments. There is no entitlement here...

You are absolutely right. Hopefully these people will move on because posting under multiple 'Anon' names is very unfair to regular readers. I've taken on a good guess as to who is leaving them fortunately and have been able to deal with most of the comments before they cause issues here.

However, I hope I'm not out of turn when I say that anyone can come back and post. I don't think there's a ban on anyone if they come back, be civil and don't try to get a reading of the wrongs and groveling apologies where, in this posters opinion, none are warranted. And if people aren't coming back, it's their choice not to and their choice to play silly games here. It became very obvious within the last couple of days what was going on. And, yes, you should feel embarrassed. It's juvenile.

Royalfan's right. There is censorship here and if that bothers you then you need to go elsewhere. I've had posts not make the board, and I've rewritten them until their content passed muster. I've had posts pulled after they were posted and I don't think I ever emailed Charlotte to complain about it either. Because I recognize it's her blog and she moderates as she sees fit.

Charlotte, I think the last few days is an excellent example of why the use of "anonymous" should be discontinued. I'd even support posting with accounts only -- no name/url option either. I would dust off the google account I've got somewhere if I had to. Don't really want to . . . but I would!

A quick update on the comments section: You may have all noticed an influx of comments from "new posters" lately claiming to be from various countries. I've been able to discover all of these comments are coming from the same couple of ladies (and on behalf of these ladies) who posted here until recently.

I'm fully aware of who is doing it and I'm asking politely for you to stop and move on from this blog. It simply isn't fair to our readers and posters. There are plenty of excellent royal forums and blogs out there so please stop causing problems here. Thank you.

Aaaaaand... let's get some fun discussions and talk going now instead. Hmm... *trying to think of some topics*..

Does someone have a favorite piece of Kate's maternity wear (or any other of her clothes for that matter) that you would like to see a repeat of during this pregnancy? Or maybe some clothing styles we haven't seen on her. You guy's who have been pregnant, what kind of clothes did you opt for?

And for the non-fashion minded (and anyone else) let's get some speculation going. Boy/Girl? Do you think Pippa or Harry might get the godparent post this time? Will they go straight to Kate's parents after the birth this time? Will there be as much door-watching from the media? Sandingham this christmas or not?

And I'll leave you with a mental picture of little George playing with and doting on a little sibling!

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